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Numbers 26:36 - Shutelaĥ's legacy: who remains?

Numbers 26:36 - במדבר 26:36

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה בְּנֵי שׁוּתָלַח לְעֵרָן מִשְׁפַּחַת הָעֵרָנִי׃

English Translation

And these are the sons of Shutelaĥ: of ῾Eran, the family of the ῾Erani.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh bnei Shutalach le'Eran mishpachat ha'Erani.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י שׁוּתָ֑לַח לְעֵרָ֕ן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעֵרָנִֽי׃
וְאֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י שׁוּתָ֑לַח לְעֵרָ֕ן מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעֵרָנִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bamidbar

The verse (Bamidbar 26:36) appears in the census of Bnei Yisrael taken in the plains of Moav before entering Eretz Yisrael. It lists the descendants of Shutelach, a son of Ephraim, focusing on the family of Eran, the Erani.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 26:36) notes that the phrasing "אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי שׁוּתָלַח" ("these are the sons of Shutelach") is unusual since only Eran is mentioned. He explains that the Torah sometimes uses "banim" (sons) to refer to a single descendant, as seen here with Eran being the primary continuation of Shutelach's line.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that the repetition of "Eran" and "Erani" emphasizes the significance of this family within the tribe of Ephraim. The double mention may indicate that this branch was particularly numerous or distinguished in some way.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:22) connects this verse to the broader theme of shevet Ephraim's role in Jewish history. It suggests that the name "Eran" (from the root ע.ו.ר, meaning "awake" or "watchful") hints at this family's alertness in Torah study and mitzvah observance.

Halachic Significance

  • The listing of families had practical halachic purposes regarding inheritance in Eretz Yisrael (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:7)
  • Each family maintained its distinct identity for purposes of yichus (lineage) and marriage (Talmud Yevamot 62b)

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet notes that the singular focus on Eran teaches that every Jewish family has a unique spiritual role. Even when a line seems to produce only one significant descendant, that individual can embody the entire family's spiritual potential.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 26:36 mean?
A: Numbers 26:36 lists the descendants of Shutelaĥ, specifically mentioning the family of ῾Eran (the ῾Erani). This verse is part of the census taken of the Israelites in the wilderness, detailing the families within the tribe of Ephraim. According to Rashi, these genealogies were important for establishing tribal lineage and inheritance rights in the Land of Israel.
Q: Why is the family of �Eran mentioned in this verse?
A: The family of ῾Eran is mentioned because the Torah meticulously records the lineages of all Israelite families to preserve their tribal identities. Rambam explains that such details were crucial for dividing the Land of Israel among the tribes and ensuring proper inheritance (Hilchot Nachalot 1:7). The ῾Erani were a sub-family within the tribe of Ephraim.
Q: What can we learn from the census in Numbers 26?
A: The census teaches us the importance of every individual and family within the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10) highlights that each person’s lineage was recorded to show their unique role in the nation’s mission. This reinforces the idea that every Jew has a distinct spiritual purpose.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have tribal divisions, the emphasis on family heritage remains significant in Judaism. The Talmud (Kiddushin 70a) teaches that knowing one’s lineage preserves purity and tradition. Today, many Jews trace their ancestry to maintain connections to their roots and uphold mitzvot tied to family roles.